Professional Experience

I joined the WINK News team in June 2020. I am a general assignment reporter, soaking in more than just sunshine every single day!

I started my reporting career in Panama City Beach, Florida, at WJHG/WECP. There, my love for storytelling expanded as I learned the true impact of great journalism.

Four months into my time in the Panhandle, Hurricane Michael ravaged the area, showing me the importance of local news and the crucial need for journalism after a devastating event. My reporting helped people get the resources they needed after the storm, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

Given my experience covering a major storm, Hurricane Ian was like deja vu. Immediately after the storm, I knew how crucial it was to tell the stories of survival and connect people with the right resources to rebuild their lives.

The best feeling in the world is when my stories can bring a helping hand to someone in need.

My time in Southwest Florida has led me to cover various topics. From being a lead reporter on the Gabby Petitio case to covering the highly anticipated Florida elections, but not before navigating the challenges of reporting during a global pandemic.

There's a reason why I'm soaking up more than just sunshine! Every day I am lucky to learn something new about the environmental, political, and deeply personal stories of the Sunshine State.

Awards and Recognition

My work in the field led me to win a Florida Associated Press award for my coverage after Hurricane Michael.

I've emceed nearly half a dozen community staple events.

I have been written up in the Florida State University Nomadic Nole magazine for my accomplishments as a proud Seminole alumnus.

Hobbies, Interest & Community Involvement

I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes! I also have an aloe plant I’m really trying to keep alive. More than anything, I love getting outdoors and exercising with my dog Maggie Mae.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

I love just being down south! I love the warm weather, the beaches, and being near friends and family.

FDA approves more comfortable, cheaper SalivaDirect test for COVID-19

A new FDA approved test for COVID-19 is a lot more comfortable and only costs $10. You spit directly into a tube instead of the much more uncomfortable test that involves going up your nose. Quick, safe and effective — that’s what the maker of this new saliva test promises with an emphasis on “safe” […]

Software issues spell problems for law students hoping to take bar exams

Law school students say they’re afraid to take the Florida Bar exam became some students’ personal accounts are being hacked. The bar is being administered through software that is taking their information, including banking information. Some students say they could be left with no income and significant debt. Ashley Hart is almost $250,000 in the […]

Nurse finds son after family member purchases at-home DNA kit

Jeff Tosti, a nurse at NCH, was going about his day when he received a call from a cousin saying she found out after purchasing a 23andMe DNA kit that she had an anonymous cousin. Tosti had finally found his son, Nikolas Norendale. Nordendale was happy growing up with his two parents and his siblings. […]

Seniors kept from their loved ones during pandemic try to find positives in community

Nursing homes have been closed off to visitors for months now. Without seeing regular visitors, it can be disheartening. Is there a secret to living a long, happy life? “Secret,” asked Albert Depetro, Jr, a Pacifica Senior Living resident. “I don’t know. Eat, be merry, happy.” “Put your family as number one and don’t worry […]

40-year-old, rare palm tree gets new home at Naples Botanical Garden

A natural Hurricane Irma survivor is getting a new chance at life. A 40-year-old, rare, Cuban palm tree has been leaning against a Fort Myers home since the storm rolled through nearly 3 years ago. “This is something special,” Liston Bochette said. Bochette takes a lot of pride in his decades-old, Copernicia baileyana palm tree. […]

SWFL firefighters mourn loss of one of their own to COVID-19

Firefighters in Southwest Florida are mourning the loss of their fellow first responder, Anthony “Tony” Christensen, who died of COVID-19 Tuesday after more than a month of treatment. Christensen was a beloved member of the fire rescue community, who served more than 20 years in the region. First responders face an even tougher battle during […]